What really happens when the job title disappears, and the meetings come to an end?
Life Without the Job Title: Conversations in Retirement is a video series that follows real South Africans as they navigate one of life’s most profound transitions: retirement. But this isn’t a series about financial planning — it’s a series about people.
Through honest, deeply personal interviews, each episode offers an intimate look at how individuals are redefining life beyond work. Like confronting identity shifts, reshaping relationships, and rediscovering meaning, purpose, and joy.
These stories are honest, sometimes surprising, hopeful, and deeply relatable — whether you’re planning to retire soon or still have decades to go. From learning to slow down to discovering new passions, this series explores how retirement can become a beginning rather than an end.
This isn’t about how to retire. It’s about how to truly live after.
Episode 1: Marlene’s Story – Early Retirement and New Rhythms
At 57, Marlene Myburgh is only two years into retirement, but already she’s found her groove. A former Lieutenant Colonel in the South African military, she retired at 55 without much of a plan — just a willingness to embrace what came next.
Since then, she’s embraced solo travel adventures — from exploring the Sagrada Família in Barcelona to relaxing on a beach in Phuket.
Her career was defined by discipline. Her retirement, by freedom.
Marlene didn’t plan her retirement — it came early. But in the space that opened up, she found something unexpected: joy, rest, and reconnection.
I worked in operations and was always on the go. Retirement came earlier than I expected after a shift in the organisation, and honestly, I wasn’t sure I was ready. On that first day, I still woke up at 5am. My body didn’t know I was free yet.
But over time, the rhythm slowly shifted. I gave myself permission to relax and slow down. Now, if I feel like sleeping in until 10, I can. If I want to spend a day doing nothing, that’s okay too.
One of my favourite things? Not having to cook! I’m divorced, my son’s grown up, and these days it’s just me and I’ve really come to enjoy that. Now I can give people my time, and they give it back. That closeness, that softness, it's something I didn’t realise I’d been missing.
I finally have more time — for family, for friends, and most importantly, for myself. I even have the time to see the world, just recently I visited Spain, exploring Barcelona and Madrid; and in 2025 I soaked up the sun in Phuket.
I’ve also started exploring my creative side. Baking bread, experimenting with burgers on Friday nights for friends and family… I even thought about starting a small food business — just for fun. Because in the end, it’s not just about the money. It’s about trusting yourself to build a life worth living.
I take it one day at a time. And I’m happy. Really happy.
Marlene Myburgh
Episode 2: Dup & Sanet’s story – A Shared Life After Work
The du Preez, Dup (80) and Sanet (81), met in 1964 and have been married since 1967. Sanet, a former Human Resources Manager, retired at 65. Dup, an Engineer, retired at 57 but continued consulting into his 70s. Now settled in a retirement village, they live a life grounded in routine, mutual respect, and quiet joy.
They’ve travelled the world — 19 trips, 40 countries — and nurtured not just their own family but 10 godchildren. Their days are filled with music, reading, gardening, and a shared curiosity for astronomy
Their story isn’t one of slowing down, but of redirecting their energy into things that matter.
Dup and Sanet stepped out of their careers and into something more intentional: slow mornings, shared goals, and a life rooted in mutual respect. Their story is a masterclass in how to retire together — their post-work life is one of calm, companionship and meaning.
Dup: I spent most of my career in technical consulting and retired in my early 70s. Honestly, the hardest part wasn’t leaving work — it was that moment just before, when I realised I might be going from being someone to being no one. That hit me hard.
Sanet: I had a long career in human resources and was ready to retire a bit earlier. But for both of us, it was important that this next chapter didn’t feel like an ending. We wanted it to be a new beginning.
Dup: Early on, we made some important decisions. We kept our finances separate, built everything on a foundation of mutual respect, and decided to live simply. No need for anything flashy. That’s just not who we are.
Sanet: Our pace shifted and that was intentional. We slowed things down. One thing per day. A walk, a nice lunch, some music. We weren’t chasing a schedule anymore.
Dup: And if a camera crew shows up? Well, that’s the plan for the day. No need to squeeze in more.
Sanet: Retirement has brought us some beautiful surprises — new friendships, time to travel, a chance to give back. We gave ourselves room to grow, and it’s made all the difference.
Dup: I actually retrained as an inspector and kept consulting into my 70s. But once it started getting in the way of my golf game, I figured it was time to step back.
Sanet: I got involved with our community HOA and really poured my energy into making our neighbourhood better for everyone. It felt good to still be contributing in a way that mattered.
Dup: More than anything, we started being more present with each other.
Sanet: We grew closer. Not just by spending more time together — but by making that time more meaningful.
Dup: Our biggest lesson? Don’t plan for retirement like it’s a dead end. Plan for it like it’s a doorway to something new.
We planned for retirement — not just financially, but as a life.
Dup and Sanet du Preez
Episode 3: Cheryl’s Story – Learning to Let Go and Live Again
Cheryl Veldsman is 66 years old. A proud former midwife in the military, she spent her career caring for others — including as a night matron at two military hospitals before retiring at the age of 60. Now six years into retirement, Cheryl lives a slower life, but not one without strength. She once completed three Cape Argus Cycle Tours, loved participating in Sanlam’s cycling events, and still lights up when talking about her adventures. After suffering three strokes, Cheryl faced a difficult road of recovery — but also a rediscovery of self.
Her story is one of grace, resilience, and quiet reinvention.
After a series of strokes changed everything, Cheryl found strength in slowing down and embracing new ways to feel independent, connected, and free.
I spent most of my life working in healthcare, always focused on taking care of others. When I retired in my early 60s, I was looking forward to slowing down and spending more time with my granddaughters. But just when I thought I could exhale, I suffered a stroke and it changed everything. Not just physically, but emotionally too.
The hardest part was adjusting. I remember feeling a bit lost and not knowing what to do with myself. I missed having a routine, my independence, and the sense of purpose that work had always given me. I had to wait for people to help me — and that was tough.
But slowly, I started to find joy again - in small things. Playing cards. Walking in nature. Watching my granddaughters grow. Retirement began to feel less about what I had lost and more about what I was still lucky to have.
My perfect retirement day? Spending time in nature, doing a puzzle or two, and spoiling my granddaughters.
I’ve also come to see how isolating ageing can feel sometimes. You're not as quick as you used to be and that can be frustrating. But talking to others who are going through it helps. So does staying curious. Learning new things. I’ve even started picking up digital skills with help from my son and daughter-in-law. Staying connected really makes a difference.
I feel lucky to have had a financial advisor who helped me feel secure. He brought everything together, giving me guidance and looking out for me at my most vulnerable. Now, for me, retirement isn’t really about money. It’s about finding peace.
I thought I’d lost everything — but I found strength I didn’t know I had. Retirement gave me that chance to start again.
Cheryl Veldsman
Why This Series Matters
Retirement isn’t the end of your story — it’s a new beginning.
But few people talk about what comes after the spreadsheets and savings. These conversations are about identity, purpose, relationships, and reinvention — the human side of retirement.
Whether you’re 25 or 55, it’s never too early to ask: what kind of life do I want after work?